For many, Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year: decorating the Christmas tree, shopping for close friends and family, kissing under the mistletoe and watching Christmas movies with a hot drink. For others, the holiday season is not so simple. Family dynamics can be strained, gift shopping can get expensive or even impossible and romance is hardly as simple as Hallmark Christmas films portray.

If you fall in one camp, the other or somewhere in between, Penny Rae Hawkins and Alicia Kobasic teamed up to curate a holiday playlist with something for everyone.

“12 Days of a Pop Punk Christmas” Jarrod Alonge

Looking for a pop punk take on the Christmas classic? Jarrod Alonge has got you covered. Instead of golden rings and a partridge in a pear tree, we have skinny khakis and flannel shirts. Oh, and we can’t forget the Vans and snapback hats. If you were a pop punk fan in the 2010s, this song will for sure bring some nostalgia. Don’t forget your peace teas and pizza to complete the pop punk Christmas spirit.

“Colorful” SHINee

If all you want for Christmas this year is to feel “magical” or “wonderful,” this synth-heavy winter jam will brighten up your holiday like Christmas lights. In addition to celebrating the group’s five-year anniversary, the music video shows Onew, Jonghyun, Minho, Key and Taemin having a jolly time decorating a space for Christmas. Whether you’re enjoying their 2013 career highlights or dancing around the Christmas tree, SHINee will make the “white and coldly frozen world” just a bit brighter.

“December” Neck Deep

No Christmas pop punk list would be complete without this heartbreaking classic. The minute the clock strikes midnight on December 1, pop punk kids are spinning this track. While it may not be what you may think of as a Christmas song, it is played all season long, making it fit to be on this list. So, grab your tissues and get ready for a “long lonely December.”

“Funky Glitter Christmas” NMIXX

Since debut, NMIXX have been doing things just a little differently. For this 2022 holiday banger, the seven-member girl group pay homage to Christmas standards like “Joy to the World,” “Feliz Navidad” and “Deck the Halls” while still delivering a shiny K-pop package. All they want this holiday season is to have a big party with family and friends, which just sounds like a blast coming from them. I wish everyone could have this much fun during the holidays.

“Christmas on the Road” Sleeping with Sirens

Sleeping With Sirens talk about the joy and happiness of returning home after being on the road on this next song. Being with friends and family is the center of many people’s holiday traditions, and that is captured perfectly on “Christmas On the Road.” Kellin Quinn sings about returning home on Christmas and being greeted by his partner and watching his children play. The perfect song to listen to as you celebrate the holiday with the ones you love.

“Christmas Evel” Stray Kids

“Christmas Evel” is for anyone who just can’t bring themselves to get into the holiday spirit. Even while filling in for Santa Claus, the eight members of Stray Kids bemoan black street slush, biting cold weather, spending the holidays alone and even global warming. During the chorus, Felix drones “jingle jingle jingle all the way” with heavy sarcasm that works perfectly with the track’s jaded tone. So, feel free to sulk in the corner at your next family gathering without shame. Stray Kids understands.

“Every Snowflake is Different (Just Like You)”

This Christmas playlist would not be complete without the My Chemical Romance song that was featured in a Christmas episode of Yo Gabba Gabba! This song is all about how everyone is special in their own way, just like snowflakes. Spreading love and positivity with the Christmas spirit? What could be better. Plus, just like every classic Christmas song, this song is catchy and will have you singing along in no time.

“X-MAS” Xdinary Heroes

Much like Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Xdinary Heroes bring a sinister twist to the holiday season. One could even imagine this song being from the perspective of one of the denizens of Christmas Town with lyrics like “on this happy street, there’s only darkness left” and “until the sunrise, hide in the closet/hide even the slightest breaths.” The holidays can be stressful and anxiety-inducing for many, and Xdinary Heroes shake that up with a party-ready banger.

“Santa Stole My Girlfriend” The Maine

Now, this track is for those who are experiencing some heartbreak this holiday season. This song talks about how Santa stole his girlfriend and now all get for Christmas is a broken heart. It is not your sweet and cheesy Christmas song about Santa coming to town. This song is full of anger and hatred towards Jolly old St. Nick. For those who need to let out some anger this Christmas, here is the track for you.

“All I Want for Christmas is You” Taehwan and Gon (VANNER)

On December 16, Vanner members Taehwan and Gon delivered an early Christmas gift for VVS: a cover of Mariah Carey’s immortal classic “All I Want for Christmas is You.” The cover adds an original rap from Gon, but it’s mostly a delightful and straightforward cover without many big changes. Whether you’re dashing out the door for a holiday party or unwinding at home with hot cocoa, this track will surely make you smile soon after the door closes at the start.

What songs are you adding to your holiday mix? Check out the full playlist below!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Music videos for each track have been provided where possible. This was not possible for every song on this list due to embedding issues with YouTube.